“There’s no age barrier to music in my view. Music is timeless. It’s a matter of appealing to our souls”
How it All Began…
I never planned on being a musician per say, instead I fancied being a cricketer as I was passionate about this national favorite in particular among other sports. When at a point in time my family saw a major dip in the financial sphere, I realized how my role is crucial in uplifting the wellbeing & comfort of my parents and siblings. And while I knew that however I may like taking part in various sports and enjoy it relentlessly, I wasn’t quite as good to churn out a means of earnings out of it, leave alone building a full-fledged career; at least not at that tender age and in that given time.
Music however was that one aspect of my life ever since that I could count and rely on, and I did just that. Though I am predominantly from Karachi, as a 15 year old the city of lights have been home to me for years until in trying times, moving back to Lahore seemed to be the right thing to do. So we shifted to Lahore and I was amazed at the contrast I saw between the pop culture of Karachi and the rawness of the humble music industry of Lahore. I can’t even begin to tell you about the low-key platforms I have performed at. Had I not done those shows barely worth Rs. 300-500, I would have not learnt the trade as closely.
Hailing from a Musical Family…
I don’t think nepotism helps really. In fact you always find yourself under the undue pressure of living up to the legacy. And not like one cannot win at that, hats off to Rahat Ali Khan Saab in that regard. While growing up, I heard Noor Jehan being played at home all too often, all while I was inclined towards listening to Strings, Beegees and Ava. So all the music I heard and absorbed during my developing years as an individual, artfully added to the upbringing of my musical soul and reflects in my writings to date.
An All-Rounder Musician – Necessity or Choice?
Well you see, it merely comes down to this- a third person cannot dictate my thoughts. It is impossible that two people would be thinking the exact same thing. The process of music creation has to fully be owned by the artist. Once it has been conceived and presented, maybe then the listeners by and large can connect to it. Otherwise, how can my imagination synchronize with another person’s mind? I feel the concept over which I’d like my song to turn out as, can only be written and composed by myself alone. No one knows that I wrote the song Allahu as I do not look it, I don’t wear my beard or hair long and dress rather conventionally. On a platform like Coke Studio it’s a responsibility on the artist to pen down something that affects my audience on a spiritual and primal level; something that would help reunite the people of my country. Precisely why I wrote songs like Khaaki banda and Allahu Akbar as our differences needs to be gapped out.
Your Take on Vocalists Getting More Accolades…
Across the world, music directors/producers make music to be adapted by singers, that’s just the way it is. Personally, I have always enjoyed creating music far more than singing. This is what I’ve acquired over time – songwriting that is. The trend was such back then, at the start of a new millennium that singers would hire songwriters, exactly when I collaborated for Strings, Haroon and the likes right after coming to Karachi from Lahore at the very beginning of my career. Going on stage and making people raise their hands to applaud frantically for me was never my thing. Allahu Akbar though sung by Ahmed Jahanzeb is still my baby. Music directors are getting the long-due credit now in Pakistan which is great.
Disappearance After ‘Tera Woh Pyaar’ Track…
I was supporting my younger brothers and working much harder but I wasn’t aggressive with the “PR” scenario much. Just a few hours of straight out hard work and pack up to get home and be available for the mentoring of my brothers was my priority then.
What Say on Cover Songs #Trending Now
There are two aspects to it. I have even discussed it on social media recently. Cover songs is sure the formula for overnight fame. But let’s not over-do it as at the end of the day you only become a respectable star in your own right when you bring about original numbers that create ripples. One more downfall to it is that the listeners are confused as hell now regarding the know-how of which one of the songs is actually the original track and which ones are the covers. So the credibility of the authentic artist behind the song is compromised. Hence, I feel cover artists are opportunists. One should rather be keen on making all-new music.
Before Coke Studio too I was doing good work and it is not like I associated myself with this platform with the sole agenda of fame as opposed to making good music. Man Maayal was before Coke Studio. But yes I welcome the exposure I received due to Coke Studio and even got calls from Ajmer after Aaqaa. So the masses of India and Pakistan have sure been engaged vastly via CokeStudio. I won’t really encourage this culture of cover songs.
Collaborating with Your Brothers…
Oh well we were never asked to as yet actually. But now that the music industry has revived all afresh, we just might be approached to do just that!
Bollywood & You, After Ru Ba Ru’…
Oh I am getting offers thanks to Coke Studio especially but I cannot cater to one odd song unless it’s an entire film album. I’d love to; though I am happy with the volume of work here too.
Veterans or The Younger Crop of Musicians…
There’s no age barrier to music in my view. Music is timeless. It’s a matter of appealing to our souls. My mental alignment with Strings is commendable. We did Bollywood’s Zinda together too.
People Believe You Saved Coke Studio…
Monotony can strike after a point in time even if you’re A.R Rehman. Bilal Faisal said it was a hard sell as I was perceived as someone merely writing jingles and they had their doubts as to how will I pull 7-8 minute long songs. Guess I brought some freshness to it which was otherwise falling prey to monotony.
As for my work being contemporary, that’s quite the method to my madness. Pick my work of 10 years ago and you’ll know. I pick different genres. That’s how I am. Songs in Coke Studio are my own, and I own them.
Project ‘National ka Pakistan’…
We covered the entire Pakistan from Thar to China Border. I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it and fortunately witnessed such incredible talent in our country, its mind blowing. I faced problems in Sindh and KPT but in Punjab it was easier as at every nick n corner there is someone or the other who sings beautifully. Kashmir was wonderful too. It was four months long a trip.
Shoaib Mansoor & You…
He said I am making a movie and there’s no way you be not a part of it. He’s very loving and appreciative. Ofcourse I couldn’t say No to him and I ended up even singing a song for Khuda Mere Bhi Hai.
‘Baaghi’s’ OST – a Hit…
I was blank as to what must I write for this one topic. QB was to sing it originally. Eventually it turned out quite a decent number.